[Research progress on bedside sputum assessment]

Respiratory infections have a high incidence rate globally. As an important biological specimen that is routinely monitored in the respiratory system, the physical properties of sputum can reflect the pathophysiological state of the respiratory system and are therefore significant in the diagnosis and prognosis of respiratory diseases. This article reviewed the research progress on bedside assessment of sputum, focusing on the assessment methods of three core dimensions: sputum color, viscosity, and volume. This article also put forward the idea of creating a standardized assessment scale, aiming to provide researchers with the latest theoretical basis and practical guidance.